The Society of Southwestern Authors 2009 Writing Contest
June 1, 2009

Categories: Short Story - 2,500 words max Short Story for Children Ages 6-12 - 1,500 words max Michael LaCapa Award presented to First Place Winner Personal Essay/Memoir - 2,500 words max Poetry - 40 lines max

Prizes Awarded In Each Category: 1st: $300 2nd: $150 3rd: $75 Honorable mentions: $25 Commendation (non-monetary - only author's name and submission title will be printed in The Storyteller All winning entries will be published in the SSA's The Storyteller

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (read carefully to prevent disqualification)

1. "Entry" means one individual piece of work. Send three (3) copies of each entry. (See #13)
2. Multiple entries are accepted. Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form and $10. (You may make copies of the entry form on the reverse, or download one or more forms from the SSA website. You may send one check or money order to cover all entry and appraisal fees - see #13.)
3. Entries must be double-spaced on one side of white, 8 1/2" x 11" (or A4 or similar) typing or copy paper, with one-inch margins, using 12-point Times New Roman or Courier font, in black ink only. Poetry stanzas may be single-spaced. This contest does NOT accept e-mail submissions.
4. The title of the submission must be in the upper left-hand corner of every page.
5. Consecutive page numbers must be in the upper right-hand corner of every page.
6. The total word count (strictly observed) of each entry must be in the upper right-hand corner of page 1 only.
7. DO NOT put your name on any part of the manuscript. DO NOT include a cover sheet.
8. DO NOT include artwork of any kind.
9. Staple the pages of each entry. DO NOT use paper clips.
10. Entries must be post marked on or before June 1, 2009. Entries post marked later than June 1, 2009 will be disqualified and returned to sender unopened.
11. Use regular mail. Certified or Special Delivery mail will be returned to the sender unopened.
12. All entries must be your original work and previously unpublished. NO simultaneous submissions.
13. Entries will not be returned. For confirmation of receipt of your entry, enclose a stamped, self-addressed post card.
14. Appraisals (critiques) are available for an additional $25/entry. For each entry for which you request an appraisal, enclose a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope, four (4) copies of the entry, and two (2) copies of the entry form. (See Entry Form.)

Winners will be notified by October 1, 2009. If you have not been notified that you are a winner, you may market your entry elsewhere. All winning entries will be published in SSA's The Story Teller 2009. After October 18, 2009, names of the winners and the titles of their entries will be posted on the SSA Website.